Gatland names Lions team

North and Halfpenny to start for Lions tour

George North and Leigh Halfpenny are given their first starts of the Lions tour. Credit: PA

Four Wales players have been handed the chance to stake their claim for a place in Warren Gatland's test XV for Wednesday's warm-up clash with Western Force in Perth. There is still no place for injured captain Sam Warburton who is continuing his recovery from a knee problem.

George North and Leigh Halfpenny have been given their first starts of the tour while Alun Wyn Jones and Ian Evans make up and all-Welsh second row alongside England's Tom Croft and Irish pair Sean O'Brien and Jami Heaslip.

Coach Warren Gatland has opted for a completely fresh starting line-up after Saturday's 8-59 win in searing temperatures in the opening game of the three-test tour.